Being a new teacher brings with it a world of new experiences, new responsibilities and new situations. This past week Laura and I have been busy organising and planning two very exciting experiences for our students – camp for stage 3 and 4 and work experience for stage 5. I have received a whole new insight into both these experiences from a teacher perspective; which is quite different to the student perspective I had not that many years ago.
In the last week of this term, years 5, 6, 7 and 8, along with Shane, Rodney and I, will be heading up north to Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Camp for three days. This is a great opportunity for all students to build rapport outside of the classroom and off the football pitch. It will also allow them to try new activities which will be both enjoyable and mentally and physically challenging. When I was at college I loved camp, the sense of freedom it gave, the new experiences and the memories which were created. Now, as a teacher, the idea of camp brings with it a wave of new responsibilities – risk assessments, supervision of students, organisation of activities – things I would never have even considered all those years ago. Nevertheless, I think I will love camp just as much as a teacher as I did a student.
In term 4, stage 5 (years 9 and 10) will be undertaking a week of work experience. Students have received information about this during the week and should be starting to think about where they might like to go. I would encourage students to seek an opportunity which they are passionate about, remember it’s only for a week not the rest of your lives. Work experience was another part of college I thoroughly enjoyed (yes, I was a bit of a nerd) and I had the amazing and insightful opportunity of working alongside a vet. As a teacher coordinating the program (with the help of Laura) I’m seeing the experience in a new light. There’s a whole lot of behind-the-scenes planning that, as a student, I was not privy to, and I’ve gained a new respect for the teachers who organised it.
The best thing about being part of the IFS community is the opportunities I am being given. In a more established state college, I would never have been given the responsibility to coordinate and plan these student experiences. As a first year teacher I am blessed to work under such a supportive principal who has faith in my ability. If you have any questions about camp or work experience please don’t hesitate to contact Laura or myself via email rebecca.parkhouse@ccsc.nsw.edu.au.
Bec
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